Book a flight to Dubai from Qatar with Qatar Airways

In the past 50 years, Dubai has gone from being a small trading outpost to one of the world’s most modern, wealthy cities. It’s a place where you can experience the pinnacles of luxury and 5-star dining, but also more down to earth traditions and leisure activities. Book a flight to Dubai with Qatar Airways to discover the heart of the United Arab Emirates.

Tourist attractions

Dubai’s history is the story of a small desert settlement that has been transformed into a global hub for business and tourism. You can discover this story for yourself during your trip to Dubai at the Dubai Museum on Al-Fahidi Street. Delve deeper by exploring the souqs and traditional Arabian buildings in the historic Bur Dubai area of the city.

Another entirely different side of the city awaits in Deira, where you can visit the bustling Gold Souq with its glittering gems, and the aromatic perfume and spice souqs. The real highlight of a trip to Dubai though is the chance to ascend to the top of the world’s tallest building, the 828m Burj Khalifa. If you’ve got a real head for heights, Dubai also boasts almost two-dozen of the world’s top 100 tallest buildings providing panoramic views of this unique location.

Leisure activities

Though it’s probably better known for exclusive shopping, Dubai has plenty of art and culture to experience too. A good place to discover some of the best is at the ‘art night’ in Gate Village at the Dubai International Financial Centre. There are also numerous festivals throughout the year, such as Dubai International Jazz Festival in February and the cookery events at Taste of Dubai. What’s more? There’s even a festival dedicated to shopping!

If you feel the need to momentarily escape from the towering glass skyline during your trip to Dubai, there are plenty of tour operators that can whisk you away for a desert safari. Alternatively, take a cruise or head down to the beach for some watersports.

Eating in Dubai

Dubai is home to an ever-growing number of Michelin-starred celebrity chefs and 5-star restaurants.

In terms of cuisine, eating in Dubai is as international as the city itself. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants where you can sample Middle Eastern favourites such as falafel, hummus and richly varied mezzes. But you’ll also find the very best of French, Italian and Asian cuisines here as well.

Shopping in Dubai

Dubai is a shopaholic’s paradise, and the city is home to the world’s largest shopping mall. The Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 shops, almost 200 food outlets and even a three-storey aquarium that 30,000 marine creatures call home. Some people travel to Dubai just to indulge their senses and their bank accounts at this consumerist haven.

Elsewhere in the city you’ll find everything from high-end fashion stores to exclusive perfumes, high tech electronics and much more.

Cultural considerations

Although the emirate is regarded as more liberal than many of its neighbours, there are a number of Islamic laws and customs that should be adhered to when travelling to Dubai.

Bear in mind that during the holy month of Ramadam, eating in public is not allowed during the period from sunrise to sunset.

As with any location, it’s important to show due consideration to the sensitivities of local culture. Of particular importance is showing respect to Islam, particularly if you visit the city’s religious sites such as the popular Jumeirah Mosque.

Travel requirements

Qatar Airways flights to Dubai land at Dubai International Airport. Qatar Airways also fly to Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central at Jebel Ali, 37km south west of Dubai.

Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. So before you fly to Dubai please check the visa and passport requirements.